Chapter 28
"Dad!" Edward groaned, sitting up so suddenly Bella tumbled to the bed. Her cheeks were painted red and she avoided eye contact.
"Whoa. I'm sorry," he said, his wide blue eyes catching his son's. Edward could see the questions lurking in their depths. Questions he didn't know how to answer.
"Did you want something?" he asked rudely.
"It's midnight," he hiccupped and looked down at his watch as though uncertain.
"Okay. We'll be right down," Edward said and Carlisle nodded once before closing the door.
"Oh my god! That's was mortifying!" Bella squealed, burying her face in a pillow. Edward chuckled.
"Not like he hasn't caught us in worst," he reminded, bringing old bittersweet memories to the forefront. He watched her cheeks tint pink and smiled.
"We should get down," she muttered, crawling off the bed and slipping her shoes back on.
They walked downstairs, interrupting their mothers' drunken Christmas carols.
Presents were passed with lots of laughter and gratitude and soon Edward was packing his parents in his car and getting ready to leave.
Bella watched from the front porch as he helped his mother into the car, closing the door after she was tucked in. Her own parents were passed out in their room. Both sets of parents would heavily regret their eggnog indulgence in the morning.
Edward watched his mother nod off in the passenger seat, his father already asleep in the back. He shook his head and made his way to Bella to say goodbye.
"Thank you, for the gift," she said, smiling and sad to see him go. He shrugged, a short bark of laughter sending soft white smoke into the air.
"If you don't get the part it'll be kind of an ass move," he joked.
He had gotten her the entire collection of the Crescent series. The first book signed by the author. It had been a last minute gift. He had stressed over what to get her when he heard the author of the series would be in Seattle. It took him three hours to get the book signed and he was given quite the curious look when he gave the author Bella's name, but it was worth it.
The look on Bella's face when she opened it was priceless.
"No, it won't. It was really sweet and even if I don't get the part I really appreciate it," she said.
"Yeah, until you do get the part and you'll have the books at your disposal," he said, feeling embarrassed. She stepped closer, placing her hands on his shoulders.
"Stop. It was the sweetest thing anyone could get me, because it came from here," she said, sliding her hand down over his heart.
He smiled.
"I'm glad you liked it," he said and she rose on her toes, planting a soft kiss on his lips.
"I loved it," she whispered, pulling away.
